Athersley Recreation have announced that their new manager for the 2019/20 Toolstation NCEL Premier Division season will be former Garforth Town, Ossett Town and Parkgate boss Graham Nicholas.

Kevan Locke moves up from coach to become Nicholas' assistant whilst ex-Rec, Ossett Albion and Worsbrough Bridge Athletic player Shane Kelsey has come in to further bolster the management line-up.

Club secretary Peter Goodlad said: "I would like to thank all the people who applied for the job - seventeen in total - which shows how well the club is thought of in the football scene.

"After statements made earlier of how the club wish to proceed in the future, we thought this may have an effect on applications but we were astounded in the amount received and the quality. We wish all unsuccessful applicants all the best in the future.

"We are over the moon we have a management team who have all the qualities needed to put the spark back in this great club and all three are raring to go.

"They all know the club through and through and understand how we work with young players and the fantastic supporters and volunteers we have."